It’s a section of his Sherlock Holmes walk that I look forward to – collecting the opinions of Sherlockian London Walkers. I always asks the question in the appropriate surroundings of St Paul’s, the actors’ church in Covent Garden.

When the name Benedict Cumberbatch was mentioned, there was a palpable fluttering among the group.

A similar flutter occurs if talk turns to Johnny Depp on the Jack the Ripper walk.

It would seem that the BBC’s Sherlock is something of a dish.

Being immune to the cadaverously handsome young Master Cumberbatch’s charms on that particular level, it added a new dimension to my understanding of the great detective: Sherlock Holmes As Sex Symbol.

All thoughts on this fascinating new field of research (well, new to ME anyway) will be gratefully received – drop me a line at the usual email address or add a comment below.

POST UPDATED 23/3/16A London Walk costs £10 – £8 concession. To join a London Walk, simply meet your guide at the designated tube station at the appointed time. Details of all London Walks can be found at www.walks.com.